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Show OBESITY (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey) To determine obesity, the BRFSS uses an estimated body mass index (BMI) for each participant. This is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared, and is based on self-reported height and weight. Men with a BMI greater than or equal to 27.8 and women with a BMI greater than or equal to 27.3 are considered obese. Men with a BMI greater than 31 and women with a BMI greater than 32.2 are considered morbidly obese. Utah has a lower percentage of obese and morbidly obese adults than the majority of states in the U.S., with only four states having a lower percentage in 1992. However, it appears that the number of overweight adults in Utah and the U.S. is increasing. Since 1987, the percentage of obese Utahns has increased from 16.1% to 21.6% of the total adult population (Table 72, Figure 46). Obesity* (Obese persons as a percentage of the population.) Table 72 U.S. Year Utah U.S. Low Median U.S. High 1987 16.1 14.7 20.7 25.6 1988 18.2 14.8 20.9 24.6 1989 16.6 15.5 20.4 26.5 1990 19.4 16.3 22.7 27.4 1991 19.8 17.8 23.4 28.7 1992 21.6 17.3 24.4 29.7 Body mass index > 27.8 for males and > 27.3 for females. Figure 46 Obesity _-_ - ---D--- -- __---n ____-------o 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 ----A--- U.S. Low Utah ------O------U.S. Median ------?-------U.S. High Utah's Health: An Annual Review 1994 49 |